(ARA)
- The long distance industry is disappearing,
cell phone companies are combining, telecom giants
are spinning off elements and some say much of
it is due to something you've never heard of
- VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) -- or Internet
phone service. You read these headlines every
day, but does it really mean anything for the
average consumer?
Actually, it does, and probably more than you think. It means that finally you,
the consumer, actually have a real choice. That equates to better service, lower
prices, more innovations and less complication - and if you don't like what you're
getting, you can finally go somewhere else.
No longer is the competition between just one or two phone companies, or a choice
between local and long distance carriers. Cell phones, for example, can now be
packaged with all local and long-distance calls included And the newest contender,
VOIP, or Internet phone service, brings another option to the table - one that
can save you a whole lot of money.
VOIP sends voice signals over the Internet instead of the phone network and you
need a broadband Internet connection like DSL or cable in order for it to work.
But otherwise, it works just like the phone service you have now, using regular
phones and regular numbers. The calls you make still get routed into the phone
system, you can keep your phone number, and you can receive calls from anywhere
as well: the "other party" does not need to have this service.
Until recently, VOIP was a toy that Internet techies used to talk to one another
using special gadgets. Though the quality was poor, they loved the challenge
as it was new, and got around the local phone companies who charged them exorbitant
rates for basic service.
But now, the technology has grown up, and is quickly catching on. Several providers
are offering it across the country to consumers who already have high-speed Internet
access. One company, Vonage, has even been advertising on network television.
Most companies allow you to transfer your old phone number (no matter who your
phone company was) to the new VoIP service. No one need know you changed (except
you, your enlarged bank account and perhaps your sanity).
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider VOIP:
- First,
know you MUST have high-speed Internet access
(like DSL or Cable).
- Second,
decide if you are willing to give up your landline
phone, and transfer that phone number to your
VOIP service (yes - you can have that same
number again) or just add a phone for your
long-distance calls or for a second line for
your chatty teenager.
- Third,
consider any alternative or special needs you
have for a home phone service, such as an alarm
system hooked to your phone, multiple lines
or a fax machine. Each of these is handled
differently and you should discuss with the
provider.
As
you begin shopping, you should also pay close
attention to the fine print - don't fall for
the first listing on your Google-search as the
right answer.
For home use (business use may differ), price is the leading factor for changing
to VOIP, closely followed by simplicity (installation and billing). But another
leading decision factor is a belief in the company. Surprisingly, many VOIP
buyers are concerned with the company's image, and want to buy from smaller
companies who can still afford to care about the customer versus the huge corporations
that have disappointed them. A very refreshing trend.
Though all the well known phone companies are getting into VOIP, there are
over 400 smaller companies doing it as well. Among the smaller, yet well-backed
companies offering home VOIP is one called SunRocket (www.sunrocket.com), a
Virginia-based company that was started by the same two former MCI executives
who developed 1-800-Collect and The Neighborhood, two huge customer focused
programs that shook up the phone industry. Backed by Nokia, these executives
decided to "build a better phone company" using this new technology and an
unflagging commitment to making their customers happy.
SunRocket has already launched a telecom first by introducing an annual fixed-rate
for all local and long-distance (domestic) calls: $199 is all inclusive (and
includes a lot of international calls as well). No tax, no add-ons, no equipment
charges, no activation fee. What you see is what you pay. The company's product
box includes everything you need to get started. Simply plug in SunRocket's
secret black box (called a "gizmo") into your modem, plug your phone into the
Gizmo and reboot your computer. You are now ready to talk. And if for any reason
you want to cancel the service, it is easy to return the equipment and cancel
service at any time. You are simply refunded for the months you have not used.
Give it some thought. If you want to save at least half off your phone bills,
and dislike dealing with the details and hassles of monthly phone bills, or
wondering about the taxes and extra charges on them, consider VoIP phone service.
After reading a few of the offers from various companies, make sure you consider
the company's personality as well. Look for a solid company, with good backing
and superior management that believes in customer service. Already there are
companies out there who are shaking up the phone industry again - this time
for the good.
Courtesy of ARA Content |
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Note
from Kim @ 4 Site:
We use Vonage's
Internet Phone, and their service is
really great. We haven't had a landline in
over a year, and Internet Phone is so much
cheaper especially when you need to make frequent
long distance phone calls. They have great
international rates as well.
Another perk
- you can take the phone with you and use it
anywhere that has a DSL or Cable Internet connection. Here's a link to their website
if you are interested in learning more about
what they offer:
http://www.vonage.com
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